My exit from Naish has been getting much more attention than I expected. There seems to be a lot of conjecture–some of it is pretty dramatic–so I feel motivated to give some insight as to what would make me walk away from a great company like Naish.

First, I want to acknowledge the huge debt of gratitude I owe to Robby for sponsoring me in the first place. He brought me on to the team at a very precarious time for me, because South Point had defaulted on both Timpone and my contract, which left a big void in my income. With Robby’s support I was able to continue my waterman lifestyle and support my family. I have a huge appreciation for Robby and the Naish company, and the friendship and support he has given me.

Like any relationship not everything was perfect, it doesn’t necessarily mean one or the other is at fault but rather an evolution of different paths. The Naish company path is naturally driven by corporate responsibilities. My path is driven by personal goals, the challenges of the lifestyle I follow, and creative freedom. Robby runs his company very efficiently, and like any good, strong leader it goes his way, and that’s as it should be. It is his company, he has taken all the risk and made all the decisions that go along with being successful. But unfortunately for me that meant more and more that there wasn’t much room to make my imprint on the company. At the end of my contract I had to make the difficult decision to renew and carry on with the status quo or do something different.

Had I not learned to shape a few months ago I probably would have stayed with Naish and carried on with business as usual, but the exposure to shaping got my creative juices flowing again and in the end I just could not deny what has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my whole career–the creative process.

Now I have an opportunity to take all the knowledge and experience I’ve gained and couple my own vision and feeling into boards I can ride and perfect myself. It’s really exciting to try and get the outline right, the rocker how you want it, the rails shaped properly and then go out and ride it. The best part is I don’t have to try and explain to somebody how it felt or what is right or wrong with the board, and what needs to be changed. I know already. I can take that feedback and put it directly into the next prototype. It’s awesome and so much fun. It’s got me excited to go to the beach every morning and try to learn how to make everything better. I am far from a master at this craft but at least I can create what I believe works best.

So that’s where I’m headed. The path isn’t completely clear yet, but I’m moving in a direction that feels great to me. I wish everyone at Naish, and specifically Robbie, full enjoyment of the great success that their hard work over many years has brought them. But it’s time for me to move on.

you were killing it on your new board designs last time we surfed together

You rip on any board you ride. Might as well be one you designed

Makes surfing even more fun when its done on a board you designed.
I love testing out a new board and then seeing how I can make it better.
I dont make any money at it but my pay check is the smile on peoples faces when they catch a wave on a board i designed for them. Their stoke is my Payday.
Its a great feeling.
Just wish I could pay bills with stoke.

good luck with your new endeavor. see you in the lineup.
Aloha
Frank

gp

Posted January 18, 2012 at 6:28 PM

Way to go Dave!
Very elegant goodbye post, as usual. I’ve always been attracted by the shaping thing, but haven’t found the time yet. Maybe one day…
Good luck!
Giampaolo

in2surfn

Posted January 18, 2012 at 8:24 PM

Hey Dave,
Of course you should be captain of your own ship. Naish is great company and Robbie has done so much to advance water sports while creating a worldwide company with as much soul as a corporation is capable of having. He deserves all the rewards he has achieved.
Now it your turn to create, to drive your vision forward, and to achieve your own level of satisfaction. Although I don’t know you personally I do suspect you will be very successful in creating some really fun stuff to share with all of us. Thanks.
Best of luck.

vinsell

Posted January 19, 2012 at 5:31 PM

You’re always an ispiration to me, I wish You success.
Ciao Vinicio

paddledaddy

Posted February 6, 2012 at 3:04 PM

Looking forward to DK Designs! But does this mean we will see a production surf sup with a lawn chair and umbrella built in? Where do I put my helmet and crayons?
Best,
Kurt…

Well, Dave, you’ve done it again- another thoughtful and gracious post. I’ve come to expect nothing less from you on these pages.

It sounds like your heart and head are in the right place and that you are perfectly poised to take on your newest adventure. Best of luck, and above all- have fun!
Lorraine

Berry

Posted April 6, 2012 at 11:53 AM

Just wanne say…Thanks for writing!!
googled your page after reading an old interview from 2001 which already changed my mind a bit..but maybe i was the cocky surfer when i was young..
But WOWWW bloody amazing how and what u write, metafores to life, strength, life live, pay the bills, to create, to sport..to find strength..
Realy great u write..its amazing, its beautifull..what a soul, what a strength you put this down in words..
What an inspiration!!